Memorandum by the States of Guernsey Board
of Administration (EU 04)
EUROPEAN UNION COMPETENCE AND TRANSPORT
The States of Guernsey's Board of Administration
noted with interest the press notice from the House of Commons'
Transport Committee with regard to the Committee's intention to
undertake an inquiry into European Union competence and transport,
with particular reference to the principles of proportionality
and subsidiarity. The Board of Administration notes that the Committee
intends to structure its inquiry by making particular reference
to a number of matters, including the draft directive and draft
framework decision on the enforcement of the law against ship
pollution.
The Board of Administration has a diverse and
wide-ranging mandate. It is responsible for provision and administration
of port facilities in respect of Guernsey's airport and harbours
together with Alderney's airport and Breakwater and for the insurance
and management of risks to States' assets and activities. The
Board also has functions in respect to property management, waste
disposal and receivership of wreck.
The Board of Administration wishes to comment
on the above-mentioned draft directive and draft framework decision
on the enforcement of the law against ship pollution.
The Board's understanding of the issue is that
there is a concern that some EU Member States are not enforcing
the MARPOL Regulations and failing to prosecute ships illegally
discharging pollutants into the sea. The Maritime and Coastguard
Agency is active in this area and the proposed directive is to
bring into force EU Law to encourage all EU Coastal States to
tighten up on ship pollution.
The Board would wish to support any move to
strengthen the enforcement of law against ship source pollution,
as clearly it would have significant environmental benefits for
the Channel Islands.
22 December 2003
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